What is the primary role of dietary fats in the body?

The primary role of dietary fats in the body is providing energy storage. Fats serve as a dense source of energy, containing more calories per gram than proteins or carbohydrates. When the body consumes more energy than it immediately needs, it stores the excess energy in the form of fat in adipose (fat) tissue. This stored energy can be utilized during periods of fasting or increased energy demand, such as during exercise or illness. Fats also support various bodily functions, such as the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the production of hormones.

Although insulation of organs is an important function of fat, it primarily relates to protection and maintaining body temperature rather than being the primary role. Similarly, while fats can play a role in regulating metabolism, their main purpose in the context of energy is storage. Building muscles is typically associated with protein intake rather than dietary fats.